The risk of spina bifida and anencephaly in the baby could increase due to deficiencies in the body of the pregnant vitamin B12 or folate, since these are substances that participate in several key biochemical reactions such as DNA synthesis.
Specifically, according to a study recently published in the journal "Pediatrics", deficiencies in vitamin B12 can multiply by five the risk of birth defects (neural tube defects), especially when these deficiencies are suffered shortly before and after conception.
This is clear from this research, which also indicates that women who consume little or no meat or animal-based foods are the group most likely to have low levels of B12, along with those who have intestinal disorders that prevent them from absorbing Enough amounts of the vitamin.
The study was carried out by researchers from Trinity College in Dublin and, in addition, it confirms importance of folic acid, of which we have already spoken on many occasions. Taking this nutrient during the weeks before and after conception greatly reduces the chances of neural tube defects.
The researchers analyzed blood samples collected during early pregnancy in three groups of Irish women between 1983 and 1990, when vitamin supplements were not used.
The results showed that in all three groups, women with low levels of B12 (less than 250 ng / L) before pregnancy were between 2.5 and 3 times more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect in comparison with those with the highest levels. Women in the most deficient range (between 0 and 149 ng / L) had up to 5 times more risk than women who had the highest levels.
Since the key episodes of brain and spinal cord formation occur in the first 28 days after conception, before many women are aware that they are pregnant, it is important to remember that if you are looking for a baby, you have to prepare for pregnancy with vitamin supplements, among other healthy habits, something we don't usually do.
